Caltrans and CHP warn motorists of maximum enforcement

Wednesday

Jul 30, 2014 at 6:33 PMJul 30, 2014 at 6:36 PM

Jose Quintero Staff Writer @dd_jquintero

BARSTOW — Local agencies are warning motorists that traffic laws are being strictly enforced and there is zero tolerance in active constructive zones. Caltrans and the California Highway Patrol’s public safety campaign is focusing on work zone safety. Caltrans director Malcolm Dougherty is hopeful stepping up CHP enforcement around those areas will help reduce collisions and hazardous conditions. “This is about protecting the safety of California’s motorists and the men and women working along the state’s highways,” Dougherty said. According to Caltrans, there are more than $11 billion worth of projects currently active statewide. In the High Desert and Cajon Pass regions, there are active projects on Interstates 15, 215 and 40 as well as Highways 58 and 395. “These projects will eventually help make our freeways and highways safer,” CHP spokesman Don Spiker said. “During construction, motorists will most likely experience delays with their commute. Stay patient and drive safe. Whenever you drive through or are approaching a construction zone, slow down and stay alert.”As part of the maximum enforcement effort, Spiker said CHP will have officers increase the time spent patrolling active work zones in their “beats,” along with proactive enforcement efforts.Spiker said speed limits vary on construction zones, depending on what Caltrans deems safe for a project. Traffic infractions within a construction work zone result in a doubling of the usual fine.“Highway workers are doing their part to make our roadways safe and reliable for everyone,” said Rhonda Craft, Director of the Office of Traffic Safety. “We need to do our part by slowing down and using extra caution around active work zones.”An enforcement message will be displayed on any Caltrans highway message signs within five miles in advance of active construction work zones. The enforcement message will be activated when there are not any critical emergency or traffic safety messages or Amber Alerts.Jose Quintero can be reached at 760-256-4122 or JQuintero @DesertDispatch.com. You can also follow him on Twitter at @DD_JQuintero.